113 
CELESTIAL DAY OBSERVATIONS, 
Obpfrvations 
tipon fixed 
feiai's in the 
day-time. 
not diminished. When diminished to nine-tenths, it appeared 
rather more distinct, as the ground on which it was seen was 
darker. With a power of 30, and the aperture contracted to 
nine-tenths of an inch, could perceive it but somewhat indis- 
tinctly. When the equatorial motion was performed in order 
to keep it in the field of view, it was some time before the 
eye could again fix upon it. When the aperture was diminished 
to half an inch, it could not be perceived. Saw it when both 
the apertures were removed, but rather more distinctly with, 
the aperture of nine-tenths of an inch. The difference in the 
result of this observation, from that of Capella, above stated, 
was owing to the star’s proximity to the sun, and the consequent 
illumination of the sky in that quailer where it appeared. Its 
difference in right ascension from that of the sun was then 
about 2h. 50 in time, and its difference of declination about 
4° 50'*^. Procyon is marked by Mackay, in his " Complete 
Navigator," as a star between the first and second magnitudes. 
Junes. Observed Arclurus, or a Booth, very distinctly a 
little before seven in the evening, the sun being about ih, 40' 
above the horizon, and shining bright, with a power of 15 ; the 
aperture not contracted. It app-.'ared very small, but distinct. 
This star is easily distinguishable at any time of the day with a 
power of 30. 
Similar observations to the above were made, and frequently 
repealed, on the stars Rigel, Cor Leonis, and other stars of the 
first magnitude, which gave nearly the same results. The 
stars Altares and Formalhaut are not so easily distinguished, on 
account of their great southern declination, and consequent 
low elevijtion above the horizon. 
* The right ascensions, declinations, longitudes, Ac. stated in tliis 
paper, are only approximations to the truth ; perfect accnriicy in 
the>i' respects being of no importance in tliese observations. They 
are, however, in general, within a minute or two of the truth. Tlie 
finies of tlie ob.scrvations, too, are noted, in reference, not to the 
fi^troiwmical, but to tlie civil day. 
Qlier» 
V 
